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22-year-old man from Muskegon saves four lives through organ donation

Posted at 9:45 PM, Oct 02, 2019
and last updated 2019-10-02 21:46:13-04

MUSKEGON, Mich. -- Twenty-two-year-old Robbie Katzenbach died Sept. 24 from a brain bleed, a suspected complication of his long struggle with substance abuse.

“The last four years have been a real roller coaster ride, the last six weeks he was doing really well,” Robbie's mom, Becky Katzenbach said.

About a week ago, he took a turn for the worse.

His family says they miss him incredibly, but they are clinging to one good thing through this tragedy. He was able to provide the gift of life for several in need.

“To consider to be a donor, I think a lot of kids are looking at it different. It’s been helpful for me,” Becky Katzenbach said.

Robbie Katzenbach was an organ donor. Now, his lungs, kidneys, liver and pancreas have saved the lives of four people.

“The need is out there,” Becky Katzenbach said.

For Becky Katzenbach, this is an incredible way to honor her son.

Despite his struggles with addiction, he was always a hard worker. He never missed a day of work.

“Six o' clock. I don’t think he was ever late,” Becky Katzenbach said.

Now, this family hopes others will consider organ donation as a way to give, even after they are gone.